Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
The gentle aroma of baked eggs and sizzling sausage is wafting through your home, mingling with the golden light of a Saturday morning. You pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee, and as the steam rises, you remember the excitement of gathering around the breakfast table with family and friends. It’s a simple joy, but it’s small moments like these that fill your heart and strengthen bonds. Today, I want to share a cherished recipe that embodies all of those feelings: the Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole. This comforting dish, perfect for busy mornings or festive celebrations, is sure to become a staple in your family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons why this Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole will warm your heart and nourish your soul. Here are just a few:
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this dish the night before, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully while you sleep.
- Family-Friendly: This comforting breakfast casserole caters to all tastes, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Ingredients: Using erable, everyday ingredients makes this a perfect last-minute meal or festive brunch option.
- Quick Cleanup: One dish means minimal mess, leaving you more time to enjoy your loved ones!
- Satisfying and Indulgent: This casserole gets you off to a hearty start, but it also feels like a special treat.
Ingredients with Notes
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish, along with some handy notes:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage: Use your favorite type; spicy sausage gives a kick, while mild is great for kids.
- 8 large eggs: Fresh eggs are always a good choice for the best flavor and texture.
- 2 cups milk: Whole milk will make the casserole extra creamy, but low-fat works too.
- 6 cups bread cubes: Stale bread, like crusty French or sourdough, is ideal for soaking up the egg mixture.
- 2 cups shredded cheese: Cheddar is traditional, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or a flavorful blend.
- 1 tsp salt: To enhance all the delicious flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: This adds just the right amount of warmth.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: For depth and rich flavor.
- Optional toppings: Fresh herbs or diced green onions to garnish before serving.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Though it takes a bit of time in the oven, the most rewarding part is that you can sleep soundly as it cooks away in the background!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat. Use a spatula to break it up into crumbles. As it cooks, you’ll smell that familiar, savory scent filling the air. Drain excess grease if needed and set aside.
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Whisk Eggs and Milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. This is where the magic begins — rich, fluffy eggs ready for soaking!
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Prepare the Bread: Place your bread cubes into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the cooked sausage evenly over the bread.
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Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the sausage. You might find yourself involuntarily smiling at the cheesy goodness ready to bake!
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Combine: Gently pour the egg mixture over the bread, sausage, and cheese. Press down lightly with a spatula or spoon to ensure the bread gets fully soaked.
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Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld, ensuring a deeply comforting meal in the morning.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake your casserole for 45 minutes or until it’s golden and puffed. Your kitchen will smell divine!
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Serve: Once baked, allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set!
Tips and Variations
- Healthier Option: Use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner alternative, or opt for whole grain bread for added nutrition.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed peppers and onions for an extra layer of flavor and color.
- Seasonal Twist: Incorporate leftover holiday stuffing in place of bread for a festive angle that’s idiosyncratically yours.
Serving Ideas
Picture this: a warm slice of casserole on your plate, surrounded by fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a dollop of homemade salsa. It pairs wonderfully with a vibrant green salad or a cozy hot chocolate. Perfect for Sunday brunches, holiday feasts, or even a comforting family dinner, this dish invites everyone to slow down, relax, and enjoy togetherness.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze any unbaked portion by tightly wrapping it in aluminum foil. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then follow the baking instructions.
- Reheating: Lightly reheat slices in the microwave or place them in a warm oven until heated through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese to melt on top for an indulgent touch!
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Rest the Dish: Always let the casserole rest after baking; this helps set the texture perfectly before serving.
- Check for Doneness: If in doubt, stick a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, your masterpiece is ready!
- Fresh Herbs: Top with fresh herbs like chives or parsley just before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use different meats? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with leftover ham or bacon in place of sausage.
- Can I make it gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free bread to enjoy this dish without gluten.
- Is it okay to double the recipe? Yes! Just make sure you have a larger dish and adjust baking time as necessary.
- Can this be prepped on the same day? While it’s best when refrigerated overnight, you can prepare it early in the morning if needed; allow an hour for baking.
Conclusion
The Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole is more than just a meal — it’s a bridge to connection, laughter, and nostalgia. As you create this dish, embrace the joy it can bring to your family table and the warmth it radiates into your home. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved favorite for years to come. After all, the best memories are made around shared meals with our loved ones. Happy cooking!
Contents
Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage Use your favorite type; spicy sausage gives a kick, while mild is great for kids.
- 8 large eggs Fresh eggs are always a good choice for the best flavor and texture.
- 2 cups milk Whole milk will make the casserole extra creamy, but low-fat works too.
- 6 cups bread cubes Stale bread, like crusty French or sourdough, is ideal for soaking up the egg mixture.
- 2 cups shredded cheese Cheddar is traditional, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or a flavorful blend.
- 1 tsp salt To enhance all the delicious flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper This adds just the right amount of warmth.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder For depth and rich flavor.
Optional Toppings
- Fresh herbs or diced green onions To garnish before serving.
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Place your bread cubes into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and layer the cooked sausage evenly over the bread.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the sausage.
- Gently pour the egg mixture over the bread, sausage, and cheese. Press down lightly with a spatula to ensure the bread gets fully soaked.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove plastic wrap and bake for 45 minutes or until golden and puffed.
- Allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes before slicing to help it set.
Notes
Written by khadija — founder of Dailypan, sharing easy, cozy homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 contact@dailypan.com • Pinterest